Jamaica Travel Tips, Part 4

[Hotel Mocking Bird Hill]

Mobile Phone

Make sure you arrange for your phone to roam before you leave. While this service is very useful it is costly. You can purchase a phone in Jamaica for as little as US$ 30 with lots of free minutes on it to use while here and donate it to someone before you leave. You can also simply purchase a local SIM card for use while you are here.

 

Mosquitoes – How to Avoid Unwanted Friends

Beyond splatting these irksome unwanted new holiday friends, we suggest bringing the following Essential Oils with you; unlike DEET they do NOT cause brain damage! Citronella, Lavender, Soya oil, Catnip, NEEM Seed Oil There are now DEET free armbands available too so look out for these locally. When in Jamaica ask for extra garlic when you can – as long as it’s fresh mosquitoes can’t stand the stuff! Follow guidelines at hotel to keep them at bay – provided in your welcome information folder.

 

Prescription Drugs

Consider bringing a spare prescription for any essential medication such as for high blood pressure etc so that if you run out or even forget your medication it is possible to go to a pharmacy and get some. Keep these with you with a spare copy of your prescription in your hand luggage.

 

Shebian School

If you have any children’s books that your kids have grown out of bring them along and we’ll pass them on to the school where they are grateful for any assistance they can get: exercise books, pens and pencils, teaching aids, games, etc. If you would like to donate anything please bring it along and we’ll get it to the school. If you are interested we can also arrange for you to visit the school.

 

Shoes

Shoes are always difficult: heavy and bulky. Try to wear your heaviest/bulkiest pair on the plane. I try to limit myself to 3 pairs: a pair comfortable for walking extended distances, a pair of sandals or flip flops and a dresser pair for evening! We recommend bringing a pair of Water or Reef Shoes or Sandals, they are perfect for excursions when walking amongst waterfalls and snorkelling in the small number of coves around Port Antonio that do have Sea Urchins. Bring along a good pair of walking shoes or sturdy walking sandals for your hikes and comfy sandals or slippers for beach and pool.